Tobacco use: prevalence and associated factors in a sample of Tunisian students

Abstract

Introduction Nowadays, tobacco consumption among the student population has become a very worrying phenomenon. Given the high rate of its morbidity and mortality, knowledge of the inventory of consumption and especially tobacco addiction seems necessary. Objectives To determine the prevalence of tobacco use and the main factors associated with it in a sample of Tunisian students. Methods This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried out during the 2020/2021 academic year with a sample of Tunisian students.We used an anonymous self-administered questionnaire distributed online via social networks. Our questionnaire included a section focusing on socio-demographic characteristics and the Fagerström test to detect tobacco addiction. Results Our study enrolled 772 students .The average age of the study population was 23.29 3.25. The prevalence of tobacco consumption was 32.1%. Among the study population, 168 respondents (67.9%) were regular smokers.By evaluating our population with the Fagerström scale, 16.9% presented a strong dependence with a score >six.One hundred and six smokers (63.1%) began their smoking out of curiosity. The search for relaxation and the response to a need were the effects sought mainly (55.8% and 56.6%).The festive context and stress were the main elements increasing tobacco consumption (71% and 69.5%). The factors associated with smoking were age (p<0.005), male gender (p<10-3) and being single (p=0.035). Conclusions Tobacco consumption represents a public health problem, particularly among young people. Measures for the prevention and management of tobacco addiction should be put in place in the university environment. Disclosure of Interest None Declared